Environmental Studies Grants

The Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation was founded in 1996 to continue the work of Melinda Gray Ardia, a biologist, environmental activist, and middle school science teacher in Newark, New York, who died in an automobile accident that year. The foundation’s mission is to integrate field activities and basic ecological principles into classroom teaching.

The foundation’s grant program is designed to empower and encourage students to become involved in solving environmental and social problems; promote thoughtful and appropriate analysis and understanding of the natural world; and to train students as informed decision makers through the emphasis and application of basic ecological principles.

To that end, grants of up to $1,500 will be awarded in support of environmental curricula that incorporate a holistic approach; strive to synthesize multiple levels of learning (facts, concepts, principles); include experiential integrated learning and problem solving; and are founded on basic scientific principles, including hypothesis testing and experimental design. Curricula also must incorporate basic ecological principles and field environmental activities within a primary or secondary school setting and present controversial issues objectively, stressing the development of individual student opinions.

Any organization is eligible to apply, including schools, nonprofits, governmental agencies, and others. There are no geological limitations.

Pre-proposals must be received no later than September 15, 2017. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by September 21, 2017.

See the MGAEF website for complete program guidelines, information about past grant recipients, and application instructions.